Robbie Paul

Bradford Bulls and New Zealand stand-off

I had to make a lot of sacrifices to become a professional.

For example, I had to stay at home and make sure I was in top condition.

You have to be disciplined and learn to say "no" to certain things. For a teenager that is a hard thing to do.

But it takes that, on top of plenty of dedication, to make you become a top rugby league player.

Learn about your body, understand what it can do and eat the right food to look after it.

If you don't do these things, someone else who has followed these rules will take your place.

Brian Smith was a massive influence on me

Coaches like disciplined players - natural ability only gets you so far.

An Australian coach called Brian Smith completely changed my world when he joined the Bulls.

He was only part of my life for about a year, but to make such an impact in such a short space of time - the man is a genius.

He lived and breathed the game. He can make an average player into a good player, a good player into a great player and a great player into a legend.